Regions

Stromboli consists completely of the more than 900 m high volcano itself and thus has a very small size of 12.6 square kilometres only.

Two kilometres northeast of Stromboli one can find its extremely small sister island Strombolicchio. Nobody lives there.

Villages

On the island there are two villages only, the larger Stromboli and the small Ginostra, which is a fisher's place only and rarely visited by tourists. Both villages together have about 350 inhabitants only.

Other destinations

Close to Stromboli are some more islands, they are all of the same volcanic origin and only partially asleep, altogether they form the Isole Eolie, the group of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Understand

As already mentioned, Stromboli is a fully active vulcano, which continuously erupts in a usually non-dangerous manner, but is a possibly dangerous place in case of a larger eruption. Those happened at last in December 2002 (followed by a Tsunami destroying parts of Stromboli) and April 2003 (causing damage in Ginostra).

Though the "normal" eruptions are not dangerous, you should be aware of the possible danger. The local authorities are very aware of Stromboli's state, you should listen to them. If paths to the craters are closed, don't go there. Never climb up the volcano without a local guide. Don't leave paths.

Tours up the Stromboli aren't easy walks. You should be well-equipped, healthy and in a good condition when going there.

As Stromboli is smallsized and it's enviroment as sensible as already disturbed, you should treat it carefully.

Bring a torchlight along with you, as the streets are not illuminated.

Get in

Get around

Due to the size of the island and lacking streets, neither cars nor busses or trains exist. The only available means of transport are "ape-cars", small motorbikes and boats. The only other way to move on the island are your feet, which is by far enough.

If you want to visit the village of Ginostra, you need to go there by boat, as there is neither a street nor even a path between the two villages.

See

The villages, which are almost unchanged by tourism, are worth a closer look, especially the rather hidden Ginostra with the smallest european port (one boat only!) at all is nice to see.

There is a nice strand with fine black lava sand in Stromboli, where one can relax and swim in the sea.

Do

The only real attraction of Stromboli is the volcanoe itself, which is one of four active volcanos in Italy and the only one which is never asleep. Depending on its activity you can visit the craters and other volcanic places too (guided tour only).

Another spectacular attraction is the "Sciara del Fuoco", a slope where the lava slowly floats down from the crater to the sea. The glowing lava's emitted light can be seen from the sea, so by night you can enter boats which bring you there.

Furthermore there is some nature to wander around and great diving around the Strombolicchio.

Sleep

Various hotels exist and additionally many inhabitants of the villages rent rooms. If you arrive in summer, you should check for free rooms before. Expect the hotels to be as expensive as possible.

Mind: Camping is not permitted.

Eat and Drink

Some restaurants and a few beach and hotel bars around, but there is no real nightlife.

Get out

Usually Stromboli itself is a day-out target, many tourists visit it for a few hours only and leave again. If you decide to be there a longer time, you should not miss the other Aeolian Islands, especially Vulcano, Lipari and Salina are worth day-outs beside the smaller islands Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi.